In a unanimous vote, the Florida Building Commission approved a modification for the 2026 Florida Building Code that codifies #8 AWG single wire bonding as an approved method of construction. FSPA filed this proposal earlier this year in response to a push to eliminate the single wire bonding based on incomplete and faulty data.
FSPA worked with the Pool Industry Council and the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) to commission a comprehensive study of equipotential bonding and the effectiveness of various equipotential bonding methods. The study concluded that #8 AWG copper wire loop and the copper bonding grid can provide effective equipotential bonding when properly installed. The results of this study were submitted to the Florida Building Commission to support FSPA’s proposal.
“The Building Commission’s decision to codify single wire bonding is a big win for Floridians,” says FSPA Chief Government Relations Officer Dallas Thiesen. “The Commission recognizes that all the effective construction methods must be available and the data and over 20 years of field experience shows that single wire bonding is effective.”
“We are very happy with the Commission’s decision,” says FSPA CEO Lyndsey Shock. “We believe swimming pool contractors and their dedicated clients deserve access to all proven construction methods, and we’re pleased the Commissioners share this view.”
With substantive modifications now complete, the Florida Building Commission will begin the process of drafting and editing the final 2026 Florida Building Code, which will go into effect on December 31, 2026.
To read the full bonding study and supporting data, visit:
Pool Industry Council Publishes Landmark Study on Pool Equipotential Bonding
